SurvivalBlog presents another edition of The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods— a collection of news bits and pieces that are relevant to the modern survivalist and prepper from “HJL”. Kids smart watches are something that you may want to be careful of this Christmas shopping season.
Owned by Debt
Understanding debt and economic slavery is probably one of the most important preps that you can make. It’s not that all debt is bad, but you have to understand that the debtor is slave to the lender. That works whether the debt is for the latest iPhone, a new car, or even a home. Hopefully, acquired debt is not for some frivolous purpose like a vacation. Even our young people end up with the equivalent of a house payment in starting their professional careers (with no corresponding asset to show for the debt). Thanks to S.W. for the link.
Non-Binary Gender
California will now recognize a third non-binary gender for residents who do not want to identify as either a male or female. Leaving aside the obvious absurdity of non-biological gender issues, we are now left to wonder how various federal issues will be resolved. To my knowledge, an FFL form #4473 only allows “Male” or “Female” as appropriate responses. I’m sure there are many others as well that will have the same complication. Thanks to G.P. for the link.
Removing Rust From Your Firearms
Reader H.L. sent in this article with a collection of instructional videos on removing rust from your firearms. With all of the hurricanes, floods and other water related emergencies, this is timely information. Even if you have carefully stored your firearms and keep them dry, it is still possible to have rust issues if you live in a high humidity area (especially salt water areas) or just haven’t cleaned and oiled them as often as you should have.
Harvesting Rainwater
As much as I would like to see SurvivalBlog readers all become rural citizens, I recognize that it’s just not possible. However, Mother Earth News has an article on 6 methods of harvesting rainwater for urban homesteads. These are not comprehensive how-tos, but will give the beginning prepper/homesteader a quick overview of established methods that work well. You can then pursue the methods that best fit your location. Thanks to DSV for the link.
Smart Watches
With the advent of the Apple Watch and the flood of cheaper kid-targeted watches, we have once again seen the fulfillment of science fiction to reality. Dick Tracey would be proud of the watches that are common place today. While most of us will not spend the bucks on a real Apple Watch for our kid, the knockoffs are affordable. Sadly, along with that lower price tag comes the knowledge that the engineering is incomplete and the software is full of security flaws. A research report (targeted at Europe, but some of those watches are available in the U.S.) has highlighted some of the security complaints that can put your child in danger if the watch is hacked.
Long Distance Shooting
Wranglerstar talks about some of his tools and techniques as he continues his quest in long distance shooting. I like the kestrel/smartphone interface tool for calculating ballistics and would really like to try it. I’m also impressed with his use of the drone to get a camera on target from the shooting bench. A spotting scope is still the most useful tool, but for quick feedback when you are by yourself and with changing targets, the drone is impressive. Thanks to T.J. for the link.
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News Tips:
Please send your news tips to HJL. (Either via e-mail of via our Contact form.) These are often especially relevant, because they come from folks who watch news that is important to them. Due to their diligence and focus, we benefit from fresh “on target” news. We often “get the scoop” on news that is most likely ignored (or reported late) by mainstream American news outlets. Thanks!
I wouldn’t worry about the third gender issue for gun purchases. There’s probably very little overlap between the “I’d like to buy a gun” group and the “I can’t figure out if I’m a boy or a girl” group.
My thought exactly. I can’t see there being a big to-do between those that identify as “non-binary” (????) and those that want to buy a gun and fill out an FFL 4473.
I have ten fingers and toes, so identify as decimal, or non-binary. I’ve been living as BCD – binary coded decimal for decades – as in decade counter. But some consider me a perfect “10”
To help stop guns from rusting in a safe or small enclosed area, Damp Rid makes a product called hanging moisture absorber. They come three in a box. I sealed my safe as best I could and just one of these three units last for approximately 4 to 5 months. These are inexpensive and are actually made to hang in closets.